Evidence check: Cortisol in the context of Wechseljahre

The provided context documents contain no specific information on cortisol in menopause. Generally, cortisol is a stress hormone whose regulation can be affected by menopause. Estrogen decline may alter the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, potentially leading to elevated or dysregulated cortisol levels. Studies show moderate associations between menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, sleep disturbances) and cortisol profiles. However, evidence is not strong enough to recommend routine cortisol testing for menopausal complaints. Measurement is time-dependent and influenced by stress, diet, and sleep. A single test provides limited insight; salivary cortisol day profiles are more informative but not standardized. MyBody-X tests for cortisol should be considered exploratory, not diagnostic. Clinical decisions require physician evaluation with validated methods.